Lighting for a 10 gallon?

kat79

kat79

New Member
Hey guys! So, I'm setting up a 10g nano tank for a lonely false percula clownfish that is getting picked on in our main display. Once everything is ready, I'd like to attempt to get a bubble tip anemone for the fish to host (IF she will, anyway), and maybe some random LP and SP corals. I understand that the watts/gallon rule isn't very reliable, so I ask: what should I use for this 20"x10"x12" tank, that meets the needs of the inhabitants, but doesn't overheat the system? Unfortunately I don't have a ton of money to spend right now being unemployed and the husband overseas, but I don't want to risk not having adequate lighting.

I found this, but I'm not sure it is enough....
http://www.***********.com/ps_ViewIt...&child=CU01012
Do I HAVE to have metal halides? Is it possible to spend less than $200 on them? I found this on craigslist, but I really don't have that much to spend.
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/m...475920062.html
Any ideas, guys?!?!
Unfortunately my hubby is the aquarium-guy, so I'm relatively new to this with him being gone. Plus, I'm a lighting-dumbie! Thanks so much!
P.S. Currently, I'm currently only working with two 15 watt bulbs. Obviously that falls seriously short....
 
kpclown

kpclown

Member
That light should be sufficient for most of the common corals. You may want to consider an HQI setup in the future for the more light dependant corals. Mushrooms, Zoas, and most soft corals will do good under that light. I have heard really good things about the JBJ Viper light, but it is a bit on the expensive side.
 
nikesb

nikesb

Active Member
u can opt for t5ho. prolly the better choice in this case as mh could cause a lighting issue
 
chrisnif

chrisnif

Member
I've seen a mod (its on youtube i think called laguna reef or something) where they take the 2 bulb incandescent hood from ***mart and put the coralife screw in compact 50/50 bulbs in and it works great. I have one of those 20 watt bulbs on my 5 gallon that came with an incandescent hood and I've got zoos, a shroom, a quickly spreading xenia and a star polyp frag that seems to be adding a new polyp on a daily basis. I'm getting a candy cane and a frog spawn next week ($5 frag swap with the reef club woo hoo!) so I'll report back how that works out.
This would probably make an awesome fixture for you for $100, T5s plus an HQI, certainly you'll need at least a fan blowing across the water but http://shop.aquatraders.com/ProductD...Show=TechSpecs The same company also has a 4x24W T5HO light for $60, they dont make great stuff, but its decent and cant beat the price ;)
 
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